Roadside '49

[Ryan_M]

My Dad (Jeff_M) came up to visit this weekend and we took the Jeeps out for a spin. It was the first time I've had both the 3A and the M38 out at the same time so I'm sure we were a sight rumbling through town on the way to dinner. Lots of fun.

On his way home, Dad spied this on the side of the road. He claims it felt much smaller than my 3A and he had a hard time fitting into the thing. My first thought was "2A!" but it appears to be a 3A-MB wannabe.

Serial number would make it a '49 and that appears to be some Normandy Blue peeking out from under the OD. It has an interesting looking block heater too (I believe that's what it is anyways)

I'm curious why it felt small. Did the early 3A's have the longer rear wheel housing like the 2A's did? I didn't think so but....

[Bob W]

I'm curious why it felt small. Did the early 3A's have the longer rear wheel housing like the 2A's did? I didn't think so but....

All CJ-3As have the short wheel housing. Do you have more photos of this Jeep?

[Ryan_M]

All CJ-3As have the short wheel housing. Do you have more photos of this Jeep?

I don't but I think Jeff_M does. Anything in particular you want to see?

[Bob W]

3A-MB wannabe

I'd say it's more like a Frankenjeep.  Looks like a CJ-2A tub.

[Bob W]

All CJ-3As have the short wheel housing. Do you have more photos of this Jeep?

I don't but I think Jeff_M does. Anything in particular you want to see?

The photos just stop short of being able to ID many of the parts. Easy CJ-2A tub indicators are the location of the ignition switch, the seat frame type, starter button location, etc. Looks like the ignition switch isn't in the 3A position. CJ-3A master cylinder covers are retained by sheet metal screws while 2As use bolts. Looks like this has bolts. The frame looks like late 2A and beyond but not enough detail to know for sure. I see an M38 transmission shift boot. The shift lever is past early 3A era.

[Bob W]

Smooth pedals, CJ2A
2A windshield pivot brackets

[athawk11]

I agree with Bob W.  (Hard to ever disagree )

2A frame horns, and I think I can see enough of the driver seat frame to determine it's 2A.  If your Pop is a bigger guy that is used to the 3A, then squeezing into a 2A will feel much tighter.

Tim

[Jeff_M]

I unfortunately have no more photos of this Jeep.� I couldn't even come close to getting behind the wheel, or even getting my left leg inside. I'm six feet plus a tad and about 260.� I'd just driven Ryan's 3A the day before and had never sat in a 2A so was curious to do so because I'd heard they had less room.� There is no doubt that this Jeep is smaller than a 3A.� I do get up that way occasionally so if I do I'll check this post and try to get some better pics for purpose of ID'ing.

[SteveW]

Looks like a mish mash to me. I am seeing the pivoting head light buckets also. MB grill? Could be on of those generic jeep tubs

[Ryan_M]

Mystery solved!  A recently found Craigslist ad has identified it as a "1946 willys cj3a 4x4 military version"

http://maine.craigslist.org/cto/4475182385.html

[SteveW]

Wow, snap that rare beast up! Kinda like the Johnny Cash song 1 piece at a time.

[1955CJ-5]

At least Johnny Cash's Cadillac parts all came from the same factory!

[Ryan_M]

Since it's the only one of its kind there are virtually no parts available. Everything must be cobbled together from similar, yet inferior, Willys brethren. That explains the salad like make-up of this sole surviving specimen. It's obviously a steal at any price.

[Jeff_M]

I took a ride by that thing yesterday.  Was going to snap a few more photos, but was a little pressed for time.  Just as well, as it has now been Properly Identified.  Could have come from the same place as a '62 Mustang.  :-)

[Ryan_M]

I'd still be curious to know how it came to be...and whether that tub is a 2A tub or some kind of reproduction. It's odd that someone bolted a 3A serial number tag to it.

Regardless, I'd gladly welcome it into my garage...